swres midterm
Which of the following can NOT be performed on data collected at the ratio level of measurement? a. Addition/subtraction b. Greater than/less than c. Multiplication/division d. Ratios e. All of the above can be performed on ratio level data.
a. Addition/subtraction b. Greater than/less than c. Multiplication/division d. Ratios e. All of the above can be performed on ratio level data.
A full review by the University IRB may conclude with which of the following recommendations? a. Approval. b. Disapproval c. Modification d. All of the above
a. Approval. b. Disapproval c. Modification d. All of the above
According to the Belmont report, beneficence refers to: a. Minimizing harm. b. Maximizing benefits. c. Diminishing autonomy. d. A and B only. e. All of the above are true.
a. Minimizing harm. b. Maximizing benefits. *d. A and B only.
Informed consent includes: a. Purpose of the study b. Possible risks of participation c. Possible benefits of participation d. All of the above
a. Purpose of the study b. Possible risks of participation c. Possible benefits of participation *d. All of the above
11. The act of publication itself is a vital element in maintaining openness and honesty. *a. True b. False
*a. True b. False
Inducements such as money may also affect the voluntary nature of participation. *a. True b. False
*a. True b. False
If one-third of all elements in a population will be selected for a simple random sample, the probability of selection for each element in the population is: a. 0.05 b. 0.13 c. 0.33 d. 0.67 e. 1.33
0.33
A cohort has which of the following characteristics? a. Random selection from the general population b. A common starting point c. Values or beliefs in common d. Inability to consent to participation in social work research e. An occupational category in common
A common starting point
Predictive validity occurs when: a. A measure can predict scores on a criterion measured in the past. b. A measure relates to other measures specified in a social theory. c. A measure is associated with a criterion collected at the same time. d. A measure can predict scores on a criterion measured in the future. e. A measure is operationalized as a variable.
A measure can predict scores on a criterion measured in the future.
Which of the following is the best example of a variable? a. Female b. China c. Student d. Age e. Divorced
Age
Researcher M found that when temperatures rise, so does the crime rate. Researcher M has satisfied which criterion for causality? a. Association b. Nonspuriousness c. Causal mechanism d. Context e. None of the above
Association
In a study of different organizations' boards of directors and their role in setting policy, the board chairs were interviewed. The unit of analysis in this study is: a. Organizations b. Boards of Directors c. Board Chairs d. Board members e. None of the above
Boards of Directors
Which one of these is not an example of evaluation research? a. Effectiveness of group homes vs. individual supportive housing b. Intervention styles: treatment or housing first c. Community-based participatory research d. Pre- and post- intervention surveys e. Utilization-focused research
Community-based participatory research
Children are not considered ___________ to consent to participate in research studies. a. Informed b. Competent c. Salient d. All of the above
Competent
How can a researcher test the validity of cross-population generalizations? a. Setting higher confidence intervals b. Conducting more research in other sites c. Reducing sample error d. Selecting a larger sample e. Estimating the population parameter
Conducting more research in other sites
Emile Durkheim compared suicide rates across different nations to determine the effects of social change on the strength of social bonds. For example, he found that predominantly Protestant European countries had higher suicide rates than predominantly Catholic European countries. What was the unit of analysis in his study? a. Individuals b. Countries c. Religions d. Suicide rates
Countries
Which of the following statistics is used commonly to measure inter-item reliability? a. Pearson's r b. Cronbach's alpha c. Guttman's scale d. Betas e. Reliability measures
Cronbach's alpha
Panel studies are distinguished by which of the following designs? a. Data are collected from individuals in the same room. b. Data are collected from the same individuals at multiple points in time. c. Data are collected at only one point in time. d. Data are collected from different samples in the same population. e. Data are collected from control and experimental groups.
Data are collected from the same individuals at multiple points in time.
In cases where the subject is deceived, and the deception is defensible, _________ is mandatory. a. Consent b. Assent c. Debriefing d. Professionalism
Debriefing
The results of a recent survey found that only 23% of social workers use the internet to provide services, compared to 48% of professional counselors. This study is an example of which kind of social research? a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Explanatory d. Evaluation e. Idiographic
Descriptive
The results of Sherman and Berk's (1984) study of the impact of arrest on repeat calls to the police department for domestic violence supported which of the following social theories: a. Symbolic interactionism b. Deterrence theory c. Labeling theory d. Conflict theory e. Inductive logic
Deterrence theory
A variable that has only two values is known as a/an: a. Alpha b. Dichotomy c. Index d. Scale e. Measure
Dichotomy
Inter-observer reliability occurs when: a. Different observers measure the same phenomena in the same way b. Different observers agree on a definition of measurement c. Different observers administer an instrument d. Different observers contribute to the conceptualization process e. Different observers measure some phenomena concurrently
Different observers measure the same phenomena in the same way
A social work student wants to gather data from existing public records. He will have a(n) ______ IRB review. a. Exempt b. Expedited c. Full d. The IRB will refuse to review the study
Exempt
As average income of a neighborhood increased, violent crime rate decreased. This information is an example of which kind of social research? a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Explanatory d. Evaluation e. Qualitative
Explanatory
Qualitative methods are most often used for which type of research? a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Explanatory d. Evaluation e. Generalizable
Exploratory
10. The independent variable is the effect or consequence of the dependent variable. a. True b. False
False
A good social work research question should not have to be refined or revised. a. True b. False
False
A strength of snowball sampling is that you can ask people to identify other people without their consent. a. True b. False
False
Attrition is a problem in a trend study. a. True b. False
False
Cluster sampling is a form of nonprobability sampling. a. True b. False
False
Direct addressing in Web searches refers to the process of browsing subject directories. a. True b. False
False
Experienced researchers are capable of gathering data without any systematic or random error. a. True b. False
False
Gender is a good example of an interval level of measurement. a. True b. False
False
If a study contains a reductionist fallacy, it has drawn conclusions about individuals based on group-level data. a. True b. False
False
In a representative sample, some characteristics are overrepresented or underrepresented when compared to the population. a. True b. False
False
In a trend study, data are collected from the same subjects at more than one point in time. a. True b. False
False
Low levels of internal consistency are better as they demonstrate that the scale has individual questions addressing all the areas of interest for the researcher. a. True b. False
False
Qualitative research methods tend to use probability sampling methods. a. True b. False
False
Random assignment and random sampling are the same. a. True b. False
False
Selective observation occurs when people conclude that what is true for some cases is true for all cases. a. True b. False
False
Simple random sampling in a survey can be achieved by simply selecting the first people who walk by you on a street corner. a. True b. False
False
The U. S. government created a National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research in order to protect themselves from international scrutiny. a. True *b. False
False
The larger the sampling error, the more representative the sample. a. True b. False
False
Triangulation weakens measurement considerably because we can achieve similar results with different measures of the same variable. a. True b. False
False
True social science cannot be motivated by personal reasons. a. True b. False
False
Unlike other levels of measurement, nominal levels of measurement need not be exhaustive and mutually exclusive. a. True b. False
False
Validity is the process by which the potential participant is given all the information they need to decide whether to participate in the study. a. True b. False
False
Valuable information is only garnered from research that involves physical and/or mental risks to the subjects. a. True b. False
False
We can mathematically calculate the sampling error using a nonprobability sampling. a. True b. False
False
A social work student wants to understand the experiences of children of incarcerated parents. She will have a(n) ______IRB review. a. Exempt b. Expedited c. Full d. All of the above
Full
When the sample of participants is reflective of the characteristics of the population, it is said to be: a. Authentic b. Empirical c. Generalizable d. Reliable e. Valid
Generalizable
While investigating why juveniles spray grafitti, a researcher extensively interviews one thirteen year-old who was caught spraying grafitti. The researcher paid careful attention to the specific conditions of this juvenile offender that led to his act, such as: his relationship with his parents, his peers, his psychological health, his biological health, his educational experiences, his contact with role models, and his exposure to media. This study is a good example of what type of causal explanation? a. Counterfactual b. Exploratory c. Idiographic d. Nomothetic e. Spurious
Idiographic
Research that collects data at more than one point in time is called: a. Longitudinal b. Cross-Sectional c. Idiographic d. Nomothetic e. Inductive
Longitudinal
Measurement validity is achieved when a measure: a. Cannot be "psyched out" by the respondent b. Corresponds to an accepted dictionary definition c. Yields the same score when applied to the same phenomena d. Relies on sophisticated instruments e. Measures what the researcher intends to measure
Measures what the researcher intends to measure
The entire set of individuals or other entities to which study findings will be generalized is the: a. Population b. Sample c. Target population d. Sampling frame e. Sampling unit
Population
Which level of measurement is the most mathematically precise? a. Interval b. Nominal c. Ordinal d. Ratio e. All levels of measurement are equally precise
Ratio
The everyday error that involves choosing to look at things that are in line with our own preferences or beliefs is called: a. Overgeneralization b. Selective observation c. Inaccurate observation d. Illogical reasoning e. Resistance to change
Selective observation
In nonexperimental research designs, which technique is usually used to establish nonspuriousness? a. Counterfactuals b. Association *c. Statistical control d. Randomization e. Random selection
Statistical control
To establish time order, which of the following must come first? a. Covariation b. Association c. The dependent variable d. The pretest e. The independent variable
The independent variable
The process by which a researcher defines specifically what he or she means when using a concept is known as: *a. Conceptualization b. Operationalization c. Generalization d. Reliability e. Specification
The process by which a researcher defines specifically what he or she means when using a concept is known as: *a. Conceptualization b. Operationalization c. Generalization d. Reliability e. Specification
Longitudinal research designs are generally superior to cross-sectional research designs because they more readily establish: a. Association b. Time order c. Nonspuriousness d. Causal mechanism e. Context
Time order
Using more than one measure of the same variable, such as using a survey and direct observation, is known as: a. Validation b. Reliability c. Conceptualization d. Triangulation e. Operationalization
Triangulation
A cluster is often some geographic unit. a. True b. False
True
A concept that does not vary is known as a constant. a. True b. False
True
A panel study of older adults will collect data from the same group at several points in time. a. True b. False
True
A problem with research studies with minority communities is that the research has not benefitted the community. a. True b. False
True
A scale is formed by using several questions to measure one concept and summing or averaging responses. a. True b. False
True
An intervening variable is a third variable that impacts on the relationship between the independent and dependent variable. a. True b. False
True
Controlling for other variables is a way to minimize spuriousness in nonexperimental research. a. True b. False
True
Debriefing must occur if deception of your subjects is necessary in the course of your research. a. True b. False
True
Depression is an example of a concept with multiple dimensions. a. True b. False
True
Face validity is less difficult to discern than content validity. a. True b. False
True
Idiographic causal explanations seek to specify which conditions led to a particular outcome in a particular case or event. a. True b. False
True
Illogical reasoning occurs when researchers prematurely jump to conclusions on the basis of invalid assumptions. a. True b. False
True
Quota sampling requires that the researcher have some prior knowledge of characteristics in the population. a. True b. False
True
Sampling allows us to determine the generalizability of research findings. a. True b. False
True
Snowball sampling methods are sometimes employed when it is hard to identify participants. a. True b. False
True
Systematic error may occur without the knowledge of the researcher. It is also not always a reflection of a problem with the researcher him/herself. a. True b. False
True
The individual members of the population whose characteristics are to be measured are called the elements. a. True b. False
True
The interval for a systematic random sample is calculated by dividing the total population size by the desired sample size. a. True b. False
True
The list of sample elements is called the sampling frame. a. True b. False
True
When sampling distributions take a normal shape, we can determine confidence intervals around the most common value. a. True b. False
True
When the findings of a study accurately represent empirical reality, the results are said to be valid. a. True b. False
True
When we conceptualize, we specify what we mean by a term. a. True b. False
True
When we say that education causes differences in income, we are using a nomothetic causal explanation. a. True b. False
True
In a study of different organizations' boards of directors and their role in setting policy, the board chairs were interviewed. The board chairs in this study are: a. Unit of analysis b. Context c. Units of observation d. Spurious reporters e. None of the above
Units of observation
Which of the following are requirements for identifying a causal effect? a. Association, time order, and nonspuriousness b. Time order, nonspuriousness, and mechanism c. Nonspuriousness, mechanism, and context d. Association, mechanism, and context e. Context, time order, and association
Association, time order, and nonspuriousness
The administration of a scale to a research participant while he or she is engaged in two tasks simultaneously allows us to measure concurrent validity. a. True b. False
False
The demographic characteristics of people who use cell-phones only do not differ from the generational population. a. True b. False
False
To assess the validity of a researcher's conclusions, you must: a. Know the particulars of how the research was conducted b. Justify the risk to the participants c. Understand the researcher's bias d. All of the above
Know the particulars of how the research was conducted
Sampling bias known as periodicity occurs in which type of sampling design? a. Simple random b. Systematic random c. Stratified random d. Multistage cluster e. Non-probability
Systematic random
A cross-sectional study collects data at one point in time. a. True b. False
True
Attrition is a problem in a panel study. a. True b. False
True
Deductive theory begins with which element? a. Social theory b. Hypothesis testing c. Empirical generalization d. Descriptive research e. Anomalous findings
Social theory
Which of the following is NOT a current ethical standard concerning the treatment of human subjects: a. Research should cause no harm to subjects b. Anonymity or confidentiality must be maintained c. Researchers should fully disclose their identity d. Subjects should be compensated for their time and effort e. Benefits of the research should outweigh any foreseeable risks
Subjects should be compensated for their time and effort
Which of the following is an example of a positive direction of association in a hypothesis? a. As an individual's level of education increases, prejudice decreases. b. The more sexual partners a person has, the more likely he/she is to be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. c. As computer literacy increases, amount of social interaction declines. d. As household income decreases, percent of income devoted to housing increases. e. As an individual's age increases, his or her criminality decreases.
The more sexual partners a person has, the more likely he/she is to be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases.
To establish concurrent validity, a researcher must include which of the following in a survey that includes a new index of depression? a. A system for weighting responses b. Multiple forms of the same index c. A previously validated measure of depression d. Single items and matrix questions e. Open-ended questions that ask for details about responses
A previously validated measure of depression
The scientific relevance of a research question refers to its: a. Ability to start and finish within a time limit b. Ability to generate specific suggestions for social policy c. Ability to resolve contradictions in or advance social theory d. Ability to be completed within budget e. Ability to make a difference in the social world
Ability to resolve contradictions in or advance social theory
A researcher conducts a survey of students randomly selected from Introduction to Social Work classes at State University. The researcher then attempts to generalize these findings to all college students. In this example, the target population is: a. All social work students b. All social work students at State University c. All college students d. All college students at State University e. Cannot be determined given the information available
All college students
The Belmont report established: a. Beneficence b. Respect for all persons c. Justice d. All of the above e. None of the above
All of the above
Which of the following are considered important criteria for establishing causality? a. Time order b. Nonspuriousness c. Specification of context d. An empirical association e. All of the above
All of the above
Which of the following are considered effective strategies for recruiting marginalized participants? a. Demonstrate that there is a benefit to the community b. Have an appreciation for cultural barriers c. Go where there are potential participants d. Involve key community members e. All of the above are effective
All of the above are effective
When Danette Hann, Kristen Winter, and Paul Jacobsen (1999) compared subject scores on the CES-D to a number of indicators that they felt from previous research and theory should be related to depression: fatigue, anxiety, and global mental health, they were hoping to establish which of the following? a. Face validity b. Content validity c. Criterion validity d. Predictive validity e. Construct validity
Construct validity
A variable that is hypothesized to vary depending on the influence of another variable is called a(n): a. Control variable b. Dependent variable c. Independent variable d. Dichotomous variable e. Extraneous variable
Dependent variable
Conclusions drawn about individuals based on family-level data (such as income) may or may not be correct, due to the possibility of an error known as a/an: a. Ecological fallacy b. Reductionist fallacy c. Event-based fallacy d. Selective observer fallacy e. Faulty cases fallacy
Ecological fallacy
The individual members of the population whose characteristics are to be measured are known as: a. Samples b. Elements c. Sampling units d. Primary sampling units e. Targets
Elements
An operation is the process of linking abstract concepts to empirical indicants. a. True b. False
False
If researchers want to test a very strong relationship between variables, they will need to select a larger sample than if they are testing a weak relationship. a. True b. False
False
If the calculated interval for a systematic random sample is 4.4, you would round down so that the interval is 4. a. True b. False
False
The fraction of the total population that a sample contains largely affects the sample's representativeness. a. True b. False
False
The unit of analysis is the level of social life from which data are collected. a. True b. False
False
Theory is defined as a pattern found in existing data. a. True b. False
False
Time order cannot be established in cross-sectional research designs. a. True b. False
False
To propose a causal explanation, a researcher need not establish time order. a. True b. False
False
When assessing individual research articles, the manner in which each component of the research design influences the others should not be considered. a. True b. False
False
The process through which the independent variable creates changes in a dependent variable is known as a/an: a. Association b. Context c. Consideration d. Covariation e. Mechanism
Mechanism
A social work researcher studying small town religiosity in the United States randomly selected ten states. From these states, he randomly selected one tenth of all counties. From these counties, he randomly selected one tenth of cities with populations smaller than 10,000. From these towns, he obtained lists of all houses of worship and randomly selected three. From these, he selected ten practitioners to be interviewed. In this example, which is NOT a cluster? a. States b. Counties c. Cities with populations less than 10,000 d. Houses of worship e. Practitioners
Practitioners
After achieving necessary clearances and approval, a researcher investigating perceptions of adults with diminished mental capacity should do which of the following: a. Present subjects with the IRB paperwork to help them understand the full extent of the research. b. Begin testing research subjects immediately. c. Rewrite and discuss a consent form in a level of language that the research subject can be expected to understand. d. Explain the research goals solely to the guardian or parent, ignoring the research subject.
Rewrite and discuss a consent form in a level of language that the research subject can be expected to understand.
A subset of the population used to study the population as a whole is known as a(n): a. Target population b. Sampling frame c. Sample d. Element e. Sampling unit
Sample
A cohort study may be a type of trend study OR a panel design. a. True b. False
True
A counterfactual situation is a hypothetical one, in which researchers must estimate what the situation would have been in the absence of variation in the independent variable. a. True b. False
True
In Metropolitan Region Y, 75 percent of the population lives in suburban areas, while only 25 percent remain in the central city. We draw a sample 40 city residents and 50 suburban residents. This sample is: a. Invalid b. Unreliable c. Proportionate d. Unrepresentative e. Inappropriate
Unrepresentative
In the population of New Town, 30 percent of the people work for Bigg Corporation, 30 percent work in the public sector (including education), and 40 percent are selfemployed. In a survey of 100 residents of New Town, 40 people worked for Bigg Corporation, 40 people worked in the public sector, and 20 people were self-employed. This sample was: a. Overrepresented b. Underrepresented c. Nonprobabilistic d. Unrepresentative e. Representative
Unrepresentative
Which of the following is an example of a variable measured at the ordinal level of measurement? a. Military rank b. Birth order of siblings c. Age measured as child, teen, adult, and elderly d. Order in which subjects complete a given task e. All of the above are measured at the ordinal level
a. Military rank b. Birth order of siblings c. Age measured as child, teen, adult, and elderly d. Order in which subjects complete a given task *e. All of the above are measured at the ordinal level
Milgram's research reports seemed to present an honest and open account of his methods. *a. True b. False
*a. True b. False
The primary reason that articles published in social work journals are superior to information found on the Internet is: a. Social science journals are more recent. b. Articles in social science journals are subject to a review process. c. Social science reports are not available on the Internet. d. Searching in journals builds research skills. e. Articles in social science journals contain more accurate bibliographies.
Articles in social science journals are subject to a review process.
The goal of qualitative research is to: a. Better understand the motivations behind complex phenomena b. To compliment quantitative research c. To identify demographic analyze, such as age, race, and class d. To collect factual information direct from the source e. To explore personal preferences.
Better understand the motivations behind complex phenomena
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) has resulted in a 50% decrease in the number of families receiving assistance and a 50% increase in the number of working mothers. This information suggests which kind of social research? a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Explanatory d. Evaluation e. Counter-Factual
Evaluation
Which of the following pairs are strongly linked? a. Evaluation research and evidence-based practice b. Exploratory research and a quantitative research orientation c. Explanatory research and a qualitative research orientation d. Qualitative research orientation and positivism e. Quantitative research orientation and constructivism
Evaluation research and evidence-based practice
Findings from a recent study indicated that education was an important predictor of financial status. What is the purpose of this research? a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Explanatory d. Evaluation
Explanatory
Barriers to Implementation of EBP include all of the following EXCEPT: a. Negative perceptions of the role of research in practice scenarios b. Too broad or open-ended agency guidelines c. Too few monetary resources d. Insufficient research expertise e. Too many pre-existing demands on the agency
Too broad or open-ended agency guidelines
Deductive research involves deriving specific expectations from general theoretical premises. a. True b. False
True
Cross-population generalizability exists when a conclusion based on a sample of a larger population holds true for that population. a. True b. False
False
Demonstrating that there is an association is sufficient to conclude that there is a causal explanation. a. True b. False
False
Evidence-based practice is a decision-making process that prioritizes prior research and clinical expertise over other factors when choosing an intervention. a. True b. False
False
Excessive devotion to tradition and uncritical agreement with authority are both examples of ego-based commitments. a. True b. False
False
Explanation is often the motive for using qualitative methods. a. True b. False
False
Exploratory research identifies the causes and effects of social phenomena. a. True b. False
False
Having an ethical code ensures ethical practice. a. True b. False
False
In a probability sample, the probability of selection is unknown. a. True b. False
False
It is bad research practice to check the bibliographies of the articles that you read for additional relevant sources. a. True b. False
False
It is ethically acceptable to convince others to take action on behalf of your personal interests. a. True *b. False
False
Nonprobability sampling methods allow for generalizations to be made to the broader population of interest. a. True b. False
False
Randomization is a technique used to ensure spuriousness in experimental designs. a. True b. False
False
Researchers engaged in qualitative researcher don't know as much about their research subjects and topics before they begin researcher as those engaged in quantitative research. a. True b. False
False
The Tuskegee experiment ended when a cure for syphilis was discovered. a. True b. False
False
The more firefighters fighting a fire, the worse the damage is an example of a nonspurious relationship. a. True b. False
False
When we test that cognitive behavioral therapy reduces depressive symptoms in older adults, we are suggesting an idiographic causal explanation. a. True b. False
False
I am a social worker with the state correctional institution. I want to do research that requires me to interview prisoners. I will have a(n) _______IRB review a. Exempt b. Expedited c. Full d. All of the above
Full
Students attending a state college have chosen to live in a neighboring community because it is cheaper than continuing to live on campus. This campus is fondly known as a "student slum" because of its living conditions and broader low cost of living. One day, a student was shocked to see an older person walking around the neighborhood and concluded that they must be visiting a student. This error in reasoning can be attributed to: a. Selective Observation b. Illogical Reasoning c. Inaccurate Observation d. Overgeneralization e. Resistance to Change
Illogical Reasoning
As a child's shoe sizes increases, so does his or her academic knowledge. This statement is a violation of which criterion for causality? a. Association b. Time order c. Nonspuriousness d. Mechanism e. Context
Nonspuriousness
Milgram designed experiments to study: a. Beneficence. b. Obedience. c. Emotional Regulation. d. Self worth. e. None of the above
Obedience.
What is the dependent variable in the following statement: official crime rates are lower in wealthy neighborhoods than in poorer neighborhoods? a. Official crime rates b. Wealthy neighborhoods c. Poorer neighborhoods d. Average income in neighborhoods e. Wealth
Official crime rates
Which of the following constitutes the most egrigious ethical misconduct in research? a. Nazi Human Experiments b. Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment c. Milgram's Experiments d. One cannot compare individual suffering.
One cannot compare individual suffering.
The process of specifying the operations that will indicate the value of cases on a variable is known as: a. Conceptualization b. Criterion validity c. Construct validity d. Operationalization e. Triangulation
Operationalization
The procedures for identifying or indicating the value of cases on a variable is known as: a. Concepts b. Conceptualizations c. Operations d. Operationalizations e. Indicators
Operations
The social worker at the local mental health center noticed that clients whose workers were female were more compliant with their medications than those whose workers were male. He concluded that female workers are more nurturing and therefore, their clients are more likely to comply with treatment. This error in reasoning is: a. Selective observation b. Overgeneralization c. Inaccurate observation d. Illogical reasoning e. Resistance to change
Overgeneralization
A social work researcher attends several different meetings of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, in which she listens to speakers and introduces herself as a researcher. She identifies several people who seem to know a lot about the gay and lesbian community in Yourtown, including people from two apparently different "factions" within the group, and she asks them for interviews. This sampling procedure is associated with: a. Probability sampling b. Quota sampling c. Availability sampling d. Purposive sampling e. Convenience sampling
Purposive sampling
In the process of creating a literature review, a researcher should check for relevance after locating journals articles through an index search by: a. Consulting online databases. b. Checking Internet-based sources for similar results. c. Locating the articles in the Social Science Citation Index. d. Reading the articles' abstracts.
Reading the articles' abstracts.
Positivism is an orienting philosophy best described as one where: a. Our social reality is seen as improving, moving towards a more equitable distribution of resources b. Research is driven by the interest to better understand our objective world c. Research focuses on understanding stakeholder's perceptions of reality d. Our reality is elusive and cannot be understand through direct observation e. Reality can be sometimes influenced by our perceptions
Research is driven by the interest to better understand our objective world
A study of the effects of television violence on children was conducted at a local elementary school. Children were randomly selected from the fourth grade and shown a ten-minute cartoon with violent content. The children were then sent to the playground with other children. Children who were shown the cartoon displayed more aggression in their play than the children who did not see the cartoon. These findings supported the researchers' hypothesis that viewing television violence causes aggressive behavior. The selection of subjects for this study makes it likely that the researcher's conclusion about the hypothesis has: a. Cross-population generalizability b. Measurement validity *c. Sample generalizability d. Internal validity e. Causal validity
Sample generalizability
Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding sample quality? a. Sample quality cannot be evaluated if population is not specified. b. Sample quality cannot be evaluated if selection technique is not specified. c. Sample quality is determined by the selection method itself, not the actual sample obtained. d. Cross-population generalizations are conjecture, no matter how strong the sample generalization. e. A sample that allows for comparisons involving theoretically important variables is better than one that does not allow for such comparisons.
Sample quality is determined by the selection method itself, not the actual sample obtained
The difference between the characteristics of a sample and the characteristics of the population from which it was drawn is known as: a. Sampling frame b. Sampling error c. Sampling heterogeneity d. Sampling randomness e. Sample fit
Sampling error
The list from which elements of a populations are selected for a sample is known as the: a. Population b. Sample c. Element d. Sampling frame e. Sampling unit
Sampling frame
Although few true interval-level measures exist in the social sciences, which of the following is likely to be treated as one? a. Scales b. Ratios c. Collapsed categories of highly specific variables, such as income d. Anchor points in a ranking system e. Dichotomies
Scales
To reduce idiosyncratic variation in responses to individual questions, social work researchers use: a. Test-retest reliability b. Alternate forms reliability c. Scales d. Preexisting questions e. Ratio levels of measurement
Scales
A good research question should be socially important and scientifically relevant. a. True b. False
True
A standard guideline in social work research ethics is that research should cause no harm to subjects. a. True b. False
True
A trend study involves gathering data at two or more points in time. a. True b. False
True
An advantage of proportionate stratified random sampling is that you can ensure that certain demographic characteristics are represented in the sample in exact proportion to those characteristics in the population. a. True b. False
True
Association in causal explanations requires that variables vary together. a. True b. False
True
At the ratio level of measurement, addition and subtraction are possible. a. True b. False
True
Because of the more rigorous review process, research published in social work journals must be consulted for a literature review. a. True b. False
True
For most statistical analyses in social work research, the interval and ratio levels of measurement can be treated as equivalent. a. True b. False
True
Funded by the U.S. government, prostitutes, soldiers, prisoners, and mental hospital patients were infected with gonorrhoea or syphilis without their knowledge in Guatemala. *a. True b. False
True
If a study contains an ecological fallacy, it has drawn conclusions about individuals from group-level data. a. True b. False
True
In a purposive sample, informants are selected (at least in part) because they have necessary characteristics for the study. a. True b. False
True
Interrater Reliability is a useful measurement tool when the researcher is interested in assessing the degree to which the ratings reflect the reality that was being measured. a. True b. False
True
Probability sampling methods have no systematic bias. a. True b. False
True
Quantitative methods collect data that are either numbers or that can be ordered in terms of magnitude. a. True b. False
True
Reliability is a prerequisite for measurement validity a. True b. False
True
Sampling is unnecessary if all units in the population are identical. a. True b. False
True
Scales are used to lessen problems of idiosyncratic variation in responses to single question indicators. a. True b. False
True
Social science is defined as the use of scientific methods to investigate individuals, societies, and social processes. a. True b. False
True
Social work research questions may emerge from your own experience. a. True b. False
True
Systematic reviews of research findings try to account for differences in design and participant characteristics. a. True b. False
True
The baby boom generation and the senior class at City High School are both examples of cohorts. a. True b. False
True
The difference between the characteristics of a sample and the characteristics of a population from which it was drawn is the sampling error. a. True b. False
True
The term variable may be used interchangeably with the term indicator. a. True b. False
True
The unit of analysis may be organizations. a. True b. False
True
Trend studies concern changes in the defined population and not changes in individuals within that population. a. True b. False
True
Which of the following is NOT TRUE about a theory? a. Makes sense of many interrelated phenomena b. Predicts behavior or attitudes likely to occur given certain conditions c. Has no relationship with hypothesis testing d. Connects implications of finding to other research e. Helps identify what to look for in a study
Has no relationship with hypothesis testing
A social work research question can emerge from which of the following? a. A researcher's own experience b. Other research c. Social theory d. Request from a government agency e. All of the above
All of the above
In the presence of their parents, children are asked if they have ever lied to their teachers. Over 90 percent of the children responded that they had never lied to their teachers. The researchers thus conclude that children are usually honest with their teachers. This raises a question about: a. Cross-population generalizability b. Measurement validity c. Sample generalizability d. Internal validity e. Causal validity
Measurement validity
A researcher gets a list of all 500 members of the National Association of Social Work in Yourtown that she wants to include in her study. She only has the funding and time to survey 50 members. She takes her list of members, randomly selects a starting point, and then selects every tenth name from the list to be included in her sample. In this example, the sampling interval is: a. The list of all 500 members b. 500 c. 50 d. 10 e. Cannot be determined
10
12. Match the concept with an example statement or question. 1. Description 2. Evaluation 3. Explanation 4. Exploration a. Increased substance abuse tends to increase the risk of becoming homeless b. How do homeless women adapt to their situation? c. How many people are homeless in Atlanta, Georgia? d. Graduates of the Klickenmore Group Home Project maintained their own apartments for an average of 2.7 years, compared to non-graduates who maintained their own apartments for 0.4 years
12. Match the concept with an example statement or question. [c] 1. Description [d] 2. Evaluation [a] 3. Explanation [b] 4. Exploration a. Increased substance abuse tends to increase the risk of becoming homeless b. How do homeless women adapt to their situation? c. How many people are homeless in Atlanta, Georgia? d. Graduates of the Klickenmore Group Home Project maintained their own apartments for an average of 2.7 years, compared to non-graduates who maintained their own apartments for 0.4 years
A list of registered voters in City X show that 30 percent of the population is registered Democrat, 50 percent is registered Republican, and 20 percent is registered Independent/Other. Which of the following would be closest to a proportionate stratified random sample of 100 voters in City X? a. 33 Democrats, 33 Republicans, and 34 Independent/Others b. 40 Democrats, 40 Republicans, and 20 Independent/Others c. 50 Democrats, 30 Republicans, and 20 Independent/Others d. 30 Democrats, 50 Republicans, and 20 Independent/Others e. 50 Democrats, 50 Republicans, and 0 Independent/Others
30 Democrats, 50 Republicans, and 20 Independent/Others
Reliability refers to which of the following? a. A measurement captures what it intends to measure b. A measurement includes all dimensions of a concept c. A measurement is free of error d. A measurement is based on empirical reality e. A measurement yields consistent scores
A measurement yields consistent scores
The belief that the variation in an independent variable will be followed by variation in the dependent variable, all other things equal is known as: a. A nomothetic explanation b. A individualist fallacy c. An ecological fallacy d. A historicist explanation e. An idiographic explanation
A nomothetic explanation
Which of the following is FALSE regarding normal curves? a. Sampling distributions for many statistics have a normal shape. b. A normal distribution looks like a bell. c. A normal distribution is asymmetric. d. The shape of a normal distribution is produced by random sampling error. e. In a normal distribution, a predictable proportion of cases falls within certain ranges.
A normal distribution is asymmetric.
To conduct a survey on current undergraduate social work majors, a researcher gets a list of all students who have declared a social work major from the registrar from which a sample will be drawn. This list is known as what? a. A sample b. A population c. A target population d. An aggregation e. A sampling frame
A sampling frame
Which of the following is an example of descriptive research about the homeless? a. A study aimed at determining the effects of tax breaks on rent costs. b. A study focused on the meanings homeless people assign to their conditions. c. A study based on the questions who are the homeless and how do they live. d. A study based on the hypothesis that the homeless are more likely to have drug problems. e. A study focused on the effects of social networks and homelessness.
A study based on the questions who are the homeless and how do they live.
Which of the following should social workers provide clients, so that they are provided with the information necessary to make decisions about services? a. Effectiveness of the intervention b. Client's role in the intervention c. Expectations of the client d. Length of the intervention e. All of the above are important
All of the above are important
Which of the following is NOT a philosophy guiding social work research? a. Positivist b. Constructivist c. Postpositivist d. Interpretivist e. All of the above are philosophies guiding social work research
All of the above are philosophies guiding social work research
Which of the following is TRUE about the how a student can generate a social work research question? a. Suggestions from other researchers b. Field or practicum experience c. Social work research literature d. Personal experiences e. All of the above are true
All of the above are true
When conducting a survey, researchers may often create two versions of the questionnaire. They may vary the order of the questions or slight wording of the questions. They then divide the sample into two equal sub-samples and administer each version. When surveys are collected, answers on the two different questionnaires are compared to determine: a. Test-Retest reliability b. Criterion validity c. Alternate-forms reliability d. Construct validity e. Content validity
Alternate-forms reliability
Which of the following is an example of a negative direction of association? a. As number of hours of TV watched per week increases, number of hours spent reading per week decreases. b. The more extracurricular activities in which a student participates, the more likely the student will describe his/her school experience as positive. c. As an individual's income decreases, so does likelihood that he/she will vote. d. The higher an individual's score on a depression index, the more likely that he or she will attempt suicide. e. Students with GPAs below 2.0 will score lower on standardized tests (like the SAT) than will students with GPAs above 3.0.
As number of hours of TV watched per week increases, number of hours spent reading per week decreases.
What kind of validity is achieved if scores on measures related to one concept are not strongly associated with measures of different concepts? a. Face validity b. Criterion validity c. Content validity d. Discriminant validity e. Predictive validity
Discriminant validity
Quota sampling is advisable when: a. Salient characteristics about the population are known before the sample is drawn b. A sampling frame is unavailable c. Salient characteristics about the population are unknown d. The diversity of a population needs to be assessed e. Both a and b
Both a and b
Concern with ethical practice in relation to people who are in some respect dependent is a rather new idea. a. True b. False
False
A social work researcher measures job stress and burnout in a sample of child welfare workers in one county agency. She finds that most of the workers have high levels of job stress but do not suffer from burnout. She presents her findings to a group of child welfare agency directors from across the national. Many directors whose county office was not the focus of the study assert that the findings would not hold in their agencies. This assertion is a challenge to the of the findings. *a. Cross-population generalizability b. Measurement validity c. Sample generalizability d. Internal validity e. Causal validity
Cross-population generalizability
Using experimental design methods to study a research question enhances: a. Authenticity b. Empiricism c. Generalizability d. External Validity e. Causal Validity
Causal Validity
Which of the following is NOT an ethical principle for social work research? a. Conflicting interests. b. The act of publishing accurate and honest results. c. Informed consent. d. Voluntary participation. e. All of the above are ethical research principles.
Conflicting interests.
Which of the following does NOT apply to the quantitative methods? a. Surveys and experiments are common methods of quantitative data collection. b. Quantitative data collection records variation in social life in terms of categories that vary in amount. c. Data can be in the form of numbers. d. Data can be in the form of attributes ordered in terms of magnitude. e. Data is not collected in categories predetermined by the researcher.
Data is not collected in categories predetermined by the researcher.
Descriptive research: a. Defines and illustrates social phenomena b. Investigates social phenomena without expectations c. Identifies causes and effects of social phenomena d. Determines effect of a social program e. Produces valid but unreliable data
Defines and illustrates social phenomena
The executive director of a community center requests an assessment of how youth in the neighborhood spend their leisure time, including what after school activities they attend and what type of sports activities they prefer. She has asked for which type of research to be conducted? a. Descriptive b. Explanatory c. Evaluation d. Qualitative e. Authentic
Descriptive
Comparing a set of responses to depression and anxiety scales would allow one to determine whether which of these types of validity is present: a. Known-groups validity b. Convergent validity c. Concurrent validity d. Discriminant validity
Discriminant validity
Both explanatory and evaluation research studies are concerned with the causes and effects of social phenomena. The difference between them is that evaluation research focuses on the: a. Effect of particular policies or programs b. Meanings that people give their actions c. Description of the social phenomena of interest d. Consideration of the impact of social context e. How people get along in the setting under study
Effect of particular policies or programs
Researcher X has proposed a project in which she will interview several immigrants from other countries to find out why they chose to move to the United States. This study is an example of which kind of social research? a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Explanatory d. Evaluation e. Quantitative
Exploratory
A negative direction of association occurs when as the independent variable decreases, so does the dependent variable. a. True b. False
False
A sample is always drawn from the target population. a. True b. False
False
Which of the following is TRUE: a. In most cases the raw size of the sample is less important than the fraction of the population that the sample represents. b. A smaller sample tends to be more representative of a population than a larger drawn from the same population. c. A sample of 3 percent of the population is always more representative of the population than a sample of 2 percent of the population, regardless of the size of the sample drawn. d. The more heterogeneous a population is, the more likely a sample will be representative of it. e. All of the above are true.
In most cases the raw size of the sample is less important than the fraction of the population that the sample represents.
In a field experiment to observe altruistic behavior, an observer records the number of people who stopped to hold the door for a student on crutches. She reports that seven people volunteered to assist the young man, when in fact there were only five. She has made an error called: a. Overgeneralization b. Selective observation c. Illogical reasoning d. Resistance to change e. Inaccurate observation
Inaccurate observation
Kai Erikson went to Buffalo Creek, West Virginia in 1972 following a highly destructive flood. Based on his interviews with residents and after spending considerable time in Buffalo Creek, Erikson theorized that the damage to the social ties in the community caused by natural disasters were just as destructive as the physical damage to the affected community. Erikson's study is a good example of what kind of research? a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Explanatory d. Deductive e. Inductive
Inductive
Which of the following is an example of a variable measured at the nominal level of measurement? a. Location in which respondent was born b. Religiosity measured as not religious, somewhat religious, and very religious c. Time in seconds in which a subject completes a given task d. Number of respondents' first cousins e. Level of education in years completed
Location in which respondent was born
Match the key term to its definition. 1. Test-Retest Reliability 2. Interitem Reliability 3. Inter-Observer Reliability 4. Alternate Forms Reliability a. Testing unchanging phenomenon at two different times. b. The association of answers to a set of questions designed to measure the same concept. c. Comparison of subjects' answers to slightly different versions of survey questions. d. Correspondence between measures made by different observers.
Match the key term to its definition. [a] 1. Test-Retest Reliability [b] 2. Interitem Reliability [d] 3. Inter-Observer Reliability [c] 4. Alternate Forms Reliability a. Testing unchanging phenomenon at two different times. b. The association of answers to a set of questions designed to measure the same concept. c. Comparison of subjects' answers to slightly different versions of survey questions. d. Correspondence between measures made by different observers.
Match the key term to its definition. 1. Face validity 2. Content validity 3. Criterion validity 4. Concurrent validity 5. Predictive validity 6. Construct validity a. The results of one measure match those obtained with a more direct or an already validated measure of the same phenomena. b. A measure obviously pertains to the meaning of the concept being measured more than to other concepts. c. A measure is validated by being closely related to a criterion conducted at the same time. d. A measure is validated by predicting scores on a criterion measured in the future. e. A measure covers the full range of a concept's meaning. f. A measure is validated by relating to other measures specified by a theory.
Match the key term to its definition. [b] 1. Face validity [e] 2. Content validity [a] 3. Criterion validity [c] 4. Concurrent validity [d] 5. Predictive validity [f] 6. Construct validity a. The results of one measure match those obtained with a more direct or an already validated measure of the same phenomena. b. A measure obviously pertains to the meaning of the concept being measured more than to other concepts. c. A measure is validated by being closely related to a criterion conducted at the same time. d. A measure is validated by predicting scores on a criterion measured in the future. e. A measure covers the full range of a concept's meaning. f. A measure is validated by relating to other measures specified by a theory.
Match the key term to its definition. 1. Concept 2. Conceptualization 3. Operationalization 4. Measurement 5. Operation a. The process of specifying what we mean by a term. b. The process of linking abstract concepts to empirical indicants. c. A mental image that summarizes a set of similar observations. d. The process of specifying the operations that will indicate the value of cases on a variable. e. The procedure for identifying or indicating the value of cases on a variable.
Match the key term to its definition. [c] 1. Concept [a] 2. Conceptualization [d] 3. Operationalization [b] 4. Measurement [e] 5. Operation a. The process of specifying what we mean by a term. b. The process of linking abstract concepts to empirical indicants. c. A mental image that summarizes a set of similar observations. d. The process of specifying the operations that will indicate the value of cases on a variable. e. The procedure for identifying or indicating the value of cases on a variable.
Match the key term with its definition. 1. Theory 2. Hypothesis 3. Variable 4. Empirical Generalization a. A logically interrelated set of propositions about empirical reality. b. A characteristic or property that can take on different values or attributes. c. A pattern empirically observed in data. d. A tentative statement about empirical reality, involving a relationship between two or more variables.
Match the key term with its definition. [a] 1. Theory [d] 2. Hypothesis [b] 3. Variable [c] 4. Empirical Generalization a. A logically interrelated set of propositions about empirical reality. b. A characteristic or property that can take on different values or attributes. c. A pattern empirically observed in data. d. A tentative statement about empirical reality, involving a relationship between two or more variables.
Individual respondents in a trend study: a. Must belong to the same cohort b. Must be part of the same population c. Are subject to measurement at more than one point in time d. Must belong to different populations e. Must belong to the same panel
Must be part of the same population
If every case can be classified as having only one attribute, we say that attributes are: a. Exhaustive b. Mutually exclusive c. Operationalized d. Reliable e. Valid
Mutually exclusive
Match the key term with its definition. 1. Elements 2. Enumeration units 3. Population 4. Sample 5. Sampling frame a. The entire set of individuals or entities to which study findings are to be generalized. b. The individual members of the population whose characteristics are to be measured. c. A list of all elements or other units containing the elements in a population. d. Units that contain one or more elements and that are listed in a sampling frame. e. A subset of a population used to study the population as a whole.
Match the key term with its definition. [b] 1. Elements [d] 2. Enumeration units [a] 3. Population [e] 4. Sample [c] 5. Sampling frame a. The entire set of individuals or entities to which study findings are to be generalized. b. The individual members of the population whose characteristics are to be measured. c. A list of all elements or other units containing the elements in a population. d. Units that contain one or more elements and that are listed in a sampling frame. e. A subset of a population used to study the population as a whole.
Match the key term with its definition. 1. Simple random sampling 2. Systematic random sampling 3. Cluster sampling 4. Stratified random sampling a. Groups are randomly selected, and then elements are randomly selected from those groups. b. Sub-groups within the population are identified as sharing some characteristic, and elements are randomly selected from with those subgroups. c. Elements are selected by use of a random number table. d. Elements are selected by choosing every nth element on the sampling frame after a random starting point.
Match the key term with its definition. [c] 1. Simple random sampling [d] 2. Systematic random sampling [a] 3. Cluster sampling [b] 4. Stratified random sampling a. Groups are randomly selected, and then elements are randomly selected from those groups. b. Sub-groups within the population are identified as sharing some characteristic, and elements are randomly selected from with those subgroups. c. Elements are selected by use of a random number table. d. Elements are selected by choosing every nth element on the sampling frame after a random starting point.
Match the key term with its definition. 1. Availability Sampling 2. Purposive Sampling 3. Quota Sampling 4. Snowball Sampling a. A procedure that requires some prior knowledge of characteristics in the population. b. A procedure that relies on getting information from respondents to find others. c. A procedure that considers the knowledge of the informant in the selection process. d. A procedure that uses accidental or convenience selection techniques.
Match the key term with its definition. [d] 1. Availability Sampling [c] 2. Purposive Sampling [a] 3. Quota Sampling [b] 4. Snowball Sampling a. A procedure that requires some prior knowledge of characteristics in the population. b. A procedure that relies on getting information from respondents to find others. c. A procedure that considers the knowledge of the informant in the selection process. d. A procedure that uses accidental or convenience selection techniques.
Match the key term with its description. 1. Cross-Sectional Research 2. Panel Study 3. Trend Study 4. Cohort Study a. Collects data from the same individuals at multiple points in time. b. Collects data from different samples of the same population at multiple points in time. c. Collects data at a single point in time. d. Collects data from people who share a common starting point at multiple points in time.
Match the key term with its description. [c] 1. Cross-Sectional Research [a] 2. Panel Study [b] 3. Trend Study [d] 4. Cohort Study a. Collects data from the same individuals at multiple points in time. b. Collects data from different samples of the same population at multiple points in time. c. Collects data at a single point in time. d. Collects data from people who share a common starting point at multiple points in time.
Match the key term with its description. 1. Association 2. Context 3. Mechanism 4. Nonspuriousness 5. Time Order a. Identification of other variables that allow for a relationship between independent and dependent variables. b. The temporal priority of the independent variable. c. The process that creates the connection between the independent and dependent variables. d. Observed correlation between the dependent and independent variables. e. The relationship between independent and dependent variables is not due to a third variable.
Match the key term with its description. [d] 1. Association [a] 2. Context [c] 3. Mechanism [e] 4. Nonspuriousness [b] 5. Time Order a. Identification of other variables that allow for a relationship between independent and dependent variables. b. The temporal priority of the independent variable. c. The process that creates the connection between the independent and dependent variables. d. Observed correlation between the dependent and independent variables. e. The relationship between independent and dependent variables is not due to a third variable.
Match the measurement procedure to the definition. 1. Units of observation 2. Units of analysis 3. Reductionist fallacy 4. Ecological fallacy a. The level of social life on which the research question is focused. b. Using individual-level data to make inferences about group-level processes. c. Drawing conclusions about individuals based on group d. The level of social life from which data was collected.
Match the measurement procedure to the definition. [d] 1. Units of observation [a] 2. Units of analysis [b] 3. Reductionist fallacy [c] 4. Ecological fallacy a. The level of social life on which the research question is focused. b. Using individual-level data to make inferences about group-level processes. c. Drawing conclusions about individuals based on group d. The level of social life from which data was collected.
Match the step in the literature review process with its description. 1. Preparing the Literature Search 2. Conducting the Literature Search 3. Checking the Literature Results 4. Searching the Web a. Identifying authors and key words relevant to research. b. Using catalogs and indexes to locate articles. c. Reading abstracts of articles. d. Direct addressing, browsing, searching.
Match the step in the literature review process with its description. [a] 1. Preparing the Literature Search [b] 2. Conducting the Literature Search [c] 3. Checking the Literature Results [d] 4. Searching the Web a. Identifying authors and key words relevant to research. b. Using catalogs and indexes to locate articles. c. Reading abstracts of articles. d. Direct addressing, browsing, searching.
A third variable that interacts with the independent variable is known as a: a. Mediating variable b. Spurious variable c. Moderator variable d. Dependent variable e. None of the above
Moderator variable
Inductive explanations are thus more trustworthy if they are tested subsequently with: a. Variables b. Generalizations c. Anomalous findings d. More inductive research e. Deductive research
More inductive research
If a scale is able to measure multiple aspects of a given concept, it is known as a: a. Multidimensional scale b. Attitudinal index c. Guttman scale d. Reliability measure e. None of the above
Multidimensional scale
Which of the following is NOT a procedure for simple random selection of elements? a. Assigning consecutive numbers to elements, and selecting on the basis of a random number table b. Selecting every nth element from a sampling frame, after the starting point has been randomly selected c. Using a computer to dial random digits after a phone prefix d. Writing all elements down on small pieces of paper, mixing them up, and selecting them like they do in the lottery e. Programming a computer to select a random sample
Selecting every nth element from a sampling frame, after the starting point has been randomly selected
After data have been collected, researchers sometimes find patterns that are unexpected, but nonetheless surprising and exciting. These types of patterns are known as: a. Empirical b. Generalizable c. Descriptive d. Inductive e. Serendipitous
Serendipitous
Which of the following is FALSE regarding simple random sampling? a. This procedure identifies cases strictly on the basis of chance. b. A random number table can be used to draw a simple random sample. c. Computers can generate random numbers, cases, or phone numbers. d. Simple random sampling must be done with replacement sampling. e. Flipping a coin or rolling a six-sided die are both methods of selecting cases in a simple random procedure.
Simple random sampling must be done with replacement sampling.
A social work researcher has decided to do a study of people who have adopted children from outside the United States. He asks a friend, whom he knows to have recently adopted and asks if he would consent to an interview. He interviews his friend, and then asks his friend if he could name other people who have recently adopted children from outside of the United States. His friend provides him with five names. The researcher contacts those five people, interviews them, and asks each of those people for names of other families. This sampling technique is known as: a. Casual sampling b. Personal sampling c. Key informant interviewing d. Snowball sampling e. Qualitative sampling
Snowball sampling
The primary focus of a search for social work literature should be: a. Relevant books b. Government documents c. Social work journals d. Newspapers e. The Internet
Social work journals
Attrition in panel studies refers to which of the following? a. Over time, the population changes. b. Panel members begin to tire of repeated questioning and give thoughtless, stock answers during interviews. c. The process of sample selection must remain the same at time 1 and time 2. d. Some members of the panel may drop out of the study. e. The process of re-interviewing a panel of informants at multiple points in time.
Some members of the panel may drop out of the study.
Which two sampling methods require that the researcher know something about the salient characteristics of the population (such as race, ethnicity, or gender) before selecting samples? a. Simple random and stratified random b. Stratified random and quota c. Quota and multi-stage cluster d. Multi-stage cluster and purposive e. Purposive and simple random
Stratified random and quota
Which of the following is an example of a variable measured at the interval level of measurement? a. Age in years b. Income in dollars c. Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit d. Acres of land planted in food crops e. None of the above are measured at the interval level
Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit
When researchers measure an unchanging phenomenon at two different times, the degree to which the two measurements are related is called: a. Test-Retest reliability b. Criterion validity c. Predictive validity d. Inter-item reliability e. Alternate-forms reliability
Test-Retest reliability
An experiment on African American men with syphilis was conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service in the 1930's. It is known as: a. The Nuremberg experiment b. The Tuskegee experiment c. The Hippocratic experiment d. The Milgram experiment e. None of the above
The Tuskegee experiment
Face validity refers to: a. The ability of subsets of items to predict one another b. The strength of items to predict one another c. The apparent appropriateness of how a concept is measured d. The likelihood that multiple indicators measure the same phenomenon e. The ability of indicators to predict desired outcomes
The apparent appropriateness of how a concept is measured
Which of the following is FALSE about probability sampling methods? a. The probability of selection is known for all elements. b. The probability of selection is greater than zero for all elements. c. There is no systematic bias in selection. d. There is no sampling error. e. Probability sampling increases the ability to generalize findings.
There is no sampling error.
To say that variables have an association is to say that: a. The relationship between them is genuine b. They occur at the same point in time c. They empirically vary together d. The relationship between them is false e. One is caused by the other
They empirically vary together
Which one of the following may not be a unit of analysis? a. Organizations b. Cities c. Counties d. Families e. They may all be units of analysis
They may all be units of analysis
Researchers worried about whether variation in the dependent variable, psychological adjustment, occurred before or after the variation in the independent variable, social support, are concerned about which criterion for causation? a. Association b. Time order c. Nonspuriousness d. Mechanism e. Context
Time order
The delivery of the program following a specific course of action is known as: a. Treatment fidelity b. Intervention testing c. Accountability examination d. Practice productivity e. Specificity of measurement
Treatment fidelity
Constructivism implies that: a. Research is futile because we can never completely understand our reality as each individual constructs their own versions b. There exists no objective facts; everything is just a product of an individual's perception or imagination c. Understanding stakeholders is our best chance at understanding their reality and improving it. d. Individuals construct their own realities and can therefore change them by themselves. e. Quantitative research is the only way to reduce all of the individual perceptions to their objective elements.
Understanding stakeholders is our best chance at understanding their reality and improving it.
Social science reduces the likelihood of overgeneralization by: a. Using systematic procedures for selecting individuals to study that are representative for the groups to which we hope to generalize b. Using explicit criteria for establishing causality c. Requiring systematic measurement and sampling d. Using empirical evidence e. Answering questions from an ego-based commitment
Using systematic procedures for selecting individuals to study that are representative for the groups to which we hope to generalize
When determining how accurate research is in capturing social reality, social scientists refer to dimensions of: a. Causality b. Reliability c. Validity d. Evaluation e. Objectivity
Validity
In variables measured at the nominal level of measurement: a. Rankings are possible b. Addition and subtraction are possible c. Multiplication and division are possible d. Ratios are meaningful e. Values measure kind but not quantity
Values measure kind but not quantity
Which of the following is NOT a circumstance in which it is reasonable to draw conclusions about time order based on cross-sectional data? a. The independent variable is fixed at some point prior to the variation in the dependent variable. b. Respondents can give reliable reports of what happened to them or what they thought at some earlier point in time. c. When events in the past are unrelated to the measurement of the dependent variable. d. Measures are based on records that contain information on cases in earlier periods. e. Cases were equivalent on the dependent variable prior to the treatment.
When events in the past are unrelated to the measurement of the dependent variable.
The potential of ___________ a beneficial treatment from some subjects is a cause for ethical concern. a. Modifying b. Enhancing c. Withholding d. All of the above
Withholding
You are working with a homeless adult in a clinical setting using an evidence-based practice decision-making process. Which of the following should not occur in this process? a. You consider his/her anger at being homeless and his/her feelings of resentment towards prior family and friends who rejected him/her and extrapolate to this individual's larger needs for support, consistency, and reintegration. b. You take your personal experience as a clinician and combine this knowledge with your client's needs. c. You use your past experience as a reference point, telling your client that he/she shouldn't let his/her anger and resentment jade him/her or keep him/her from pursuing group structured housing, as you've found this to be very beneficial for past clients. d. You discuss intervention options with your client, allowing him/her the opportunity to express any anxiety or problems they might have with each of the interventions. e. You follow up with your client in their supported housing to discuss their placement as well as any concerns/problems he/she had with the consultation process. You use this feedback going forward.
You use your past experience as a reference point, telling your client that he/she shouldn't let his/her anger and resentment jade him/her or keep him/her from pursuing group structured housing, as you've found this to be very beneficial for past clients.
Match the key concept with its description. 1. Informed consent 2. Belmont Commission 3. Achievement of valid results 4. Institutional Review Board a. The starting point for ethical research practice b. The unit charged with the review of ethical issues for proposed research studies c. Created to study the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research d. The process by which the potential participant is given all the information they need to decide whether to participate in the study
[d] 1. Informed consent [c] 2. Belmont Commission [a] 3. Achievement of valid results [b] 4. Institutional Review Board a. The starting point for ethical research practice b. The unit charged with the review of ethical issues for proposed research studies c. Created to study the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research d. The process by which the potential participant is given all the information they need to decide whether to participate in the study
11. Match the concept with its description. 1. Overgeneralization 2. Selective observation 3. Illogical reasoning 4. Resistance to change a. Reluctance to change ideas even in light of new information b. Noting observations that coincide with pre-existing preferences or beliefs c. Prematurely jumping to conclusions or arguing on the basis of invalid assumptions d. Unjustifiably concluding that what is true for some cases is true for all cases
[d] 1. Overgeneralization [b] 2. Selective observation [c] 3. Illogical reasoning [a] 4. Resistance to change a. Reluctance to change ideas even in light of new information b. Noting observations that coincide with pre-existing preferences or beliefs c. Prematurely jumping to conclusions or arguing on the basis of invalid assumptions d. Unjustifiably concluding that what is true for some cases is true for all cases
A full review by the University IRB includes a discussion of which of the following? a. A summary of the proposal b. The potential risks c. The potential benefits d. All of the above
a. A summary of the proposal b. The potential risks c. The potential benefits *d. All of the above
With regard to human subjects, which of the following is detailed in the NASW Code of Ethics? a. Accurate reporting of results b. Voluntary participation c. Informed consent d. All of the above
a. Accurate reporting of results b. Voluntary participation c. Informed consent *d. All of the above
Which of the following statements are true about the uses of social work research? a. Scientists must also consider the uses to which their research is put. b. Sometimes it is difficult to separate research and advocacy. c. Personal values MUST be left outside the laboratory. d. A and B only.
a. Scientists must also consider the uses to which their research is put. b. Sometimes it is difficult to separate research and advocacy. *d. A and B only.
12. Participants need not be informed of their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. a. True *b. False
a. True *b. False
13. The risks of a research project should outweigh any foreseeable benefits. a. True *b. False
a. True *b. False
Children are unable to give informed consent. It is therefore impossible to do research with children. a. True *b. False
a. True *b. False
Research should be conceptualized from the perspective of the researcher. a. True *b. False
a. True *b. False
The best research is done by researchers with personal attachments, monetary and/or emotional, to their area of study. a. True *b. False
a. True *b. False
University Institutional Review Boards, as a part of the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, are only mandated at government-sponsored (state) universities. a. True *b. False
a. True *b. False